The number of accidents caused by illegal car racing is on the rise in Hong Kong. And following the recent police roadblock incident, it's not just the illegal racers who are at risk.

These street races are held late at night when the roads are less busy. But there are still innocent people using the roads, and they could get hurt.

I believe introducing stiffer penalties would deter these people from street racing.

Most racers who are arrested have their licences suspended, or have points taken from their licence. They may have to pay a fine. But not many are sent to jail, and any jail sentences are quite short.

Given the potential risk of this offence, illegal racers should receive a much longer prison sentence.

Aside from punishing racers, I think driving teachers should focus more on the importance of road safety. All drivers should be aware of other people on the road. Let's make Hong Kong an even safer city to live in.

Koey Lee, The Chinese Foundation Secondary School

Dating trend not key to a fulfilling life

Compensated dating has been a concern for a long time now.

In my opinion, there is no point in doing something that puts our lives in danger for the sake of money.

Some naive teens believe they can find their 'Mr Right' through compensated dating. While finding a life partner is important, I don't believe most teenagers are mature enough to date.

What's more, the kind of men who use compensated dating service are not suitable, reliable partners for young women. They are not looking for love.

More importantly, this unhealthy trend is making our generation more materialistic.

Many young people seem to think the meaning of life is about acquiring luxuries, instead of having friends and family around you and achieving goals.

Last but not least, girls who go on compensated dates risk their safety as they are meeting men they don't know. There have been several cases of these young women being assaulted or even killed.

Life is too precious to waste on this sort of activity.

Teenagers should focus on building friendships, spending time with their family and focusing on their studies.

Yolanda Tsang Wai-yin, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College

Punished for doing their job

Recently, three Hong Kong journalists were beaten up and taken into custody by the police in Xinjiang .

They were covering the recent protests over syringe attacks in the autonomous region.

The mainland authorities crossed a line in dealing with the journalists. They were only reporting what was going on, and they were arrested. But the police have not made an apology so far.

Instead, they have accused the journalists of causing 'social unrest'. They say the arrests were necessary, even though they haven't provided any solid evidence.

Two days later, another two reporters were detained when they tried to interview protesters who had been tear-gassed by riot police.

Over the past few decades, the mainland's economic development has skyrocketed. But attention to human rights and freedom of the press have not.

More effort has to be made to improve the world's impression of China.

If the government continues to arrest reporters who are trying to uncover the truth, people will find it hard to respect it.

China's 60th anniversary celebrations will take place over the next few weeks.

In order for the mainland to gain back its global respect, a thorough investigation should be launched into this incident.

For the mainland to be a true world power, it must respect press freedom.